Getting more active

Staying active helps us to keep healthy in body and mind. A small change can actually make a big difference. Adults should aim to be active daily. Over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of ten minutes or more – one way to approach this is to do 30 minutes on at least five days a week.

The good news is that everything counts towards your weekly activity .. everything that makes you feel warm, heart beat faster and breathe a little harder - but you should still be able to talk:

Walking between floors at work

Cycling to work

Playing with the children

Going shopping

Taking the kids to school

Housework and gardening.

Each day, all your activities count towards your overall exercise total whether you are active for 10 minutes here and there, or for a block of 30 minutes.

If you are not sure where to start why not download the Active 10 app from the One You website? Or, if you are ready to try something a little more strenuous, download the Couch to 5K app which is also on the One You website.

If you are keen to get active but don't want to do it on your own, why don't you think about joining a local group or club. There are lots of local opportunities available in a variety of venues, have a look at what is happening in your village hall, or national organisations, such as British Cycling, can help you find social groups in your area.

Our local Wellbeing Advisors are available to help people return to fitness by finding new activities and setting realistic goals. If you would like to find out more about getting active with the support of a Wellbeing Advisor please contact your local Wellbeing service.

When you are getting out and about in the countryside, please remember to be 'tick aware' to avoid the health risk of tick bites. For more information about tick bite risks and prevention see this factsheet from Public Health England or visit the NHS website.